Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental condition that manifests itself in certain abnormal attitudes like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Young people are mostly its prey. According to a survey, 8.8% of children between the age of 4 to 17 suffer from ADHD. ADHD is easily diagnosed in childhood. This mental condition also affects adults. An estimated 4.4% of adults aged 18-44 experience ADHD.
There is good news with timely treatment, people with ADHD get ready to face the normal challenges of school, work and spend a healthy life. With advanced research tools like brain imaging health providers are now better able to understand the mental condition. They are also working to find out more effective ways to treat and prevent ADHD.
Do you classify ADHD as a mental disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as a health condition characterized by persistent and disabling changes in mood, cognition, or behavior. They’re linked to feelings of unease and can disrupt personal and professional interactions.
Despite being classified as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is more commonly referred to as a disorder. ADHD can be thought of as both a mental illness and a disorder, terms that are often used mutually in clinical settings.
Mental illness is a broad term. The stigma associated with the word “illness” may be too much for some people, so they opt to use the word “disorder” instead. Having a mental illness, mental disorder, or ADHD is not something to be embarrassed about.
How does ADHD manifest itself?
If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might: have trouble focusing, tend to fidget, forget things easily, and act impulsively at times.
This is by no means a complete list, but it does include some symptoms that are also associated with mental health issues.
Many of the hallmarks of ADHD are disruptions in cognitive processes, emotional states, and social interactions. It’s possible that a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or a personality disorder could be incorrectly diagnosed.
ADHS subtypes
ADHD can manifest itself in four distinct ways. Your child’s symptoms will help doctors determine which of these four conditions they are dealing with.
1. Distracted presentation
These kids only suffer from inattentive ADHD. Formerly, medical professionals referred to this condition as attention deficit disorder. (ADD). Children with an inattentive presentation have fewer hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and more trouble focusing, organizing, and maintaining attention on a task.
2. Generally displays hyperactivity and impulsivity
Children with this presentation often struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention issues. Fidgeting, restlessness, inability to sit still, and an abundance of extra energy and chattiness are all signs of hyperactivity. Because of their lack of forethought, they may rudely interrupt others and make hasty decisions. This is the rarest form, and it primarily affects younger kids.
3. Combined presentation
This presentation occurs in children who exhibit at least six characteristics of either of the other two types. The symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention are equally present. This is the form of ADHD that most people think of when they hear the term. This category accounts for roughly 70% of all cases.
4. Uncertain display
Children with severe symptoms may show clear dysfunction, but they may not meet the official symptom criteria for an ADHD diagnosis of inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type. When this occurs, a diagnosis of “unspecified ADHD” is made.
ADHD origins
The root causes of ADHD are still unknown to professionals. it can take palce due to following factors:
- Genes. The disorder is often genetic.
- Chemicals in the head. People with ADHD may have an imbalance in these.
- Brains change. The attentional regions of the brain are underused in children with ADHD.
ADHD is not brought on by sugar. Nothing like too much television, too much stress at home, unfavorable schools, or food sensitivities can bring on ADHD.
Diagnosis
ADHD develops in both children and grownups but is the majority often identified in childhood. Sometimes it’s hard to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms overlap with those of normal childhood development. Teachers are often the first to recognize signs of ADHD in their students because of the constant exposure to a social setting in the classroom.
Getting together with a doctor or mental health professional to collect all the information needed to diagnose a child with ADHD is the best option.
How can I deal with it?
Medication, therapy, and self-care are typically used together to treat ADHD.
- Medication—Stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat children is often used to treat adults. An alternative to stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an antidepressant. Adults with ADHD who also suffer from depression or anxiety may find additional relief from taking a different class of antidepressants.
- Counseling—Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you the connection between your thoughts, moods, and behaviors. It’s been tweaked to be useful for ADHD sufferers. You can also get help from a therapist to adjust your behavior. By making these adjustments, you can gradually phase out harmful habits in favor of more beneficial ones. This could improve your social life and help you deal with bothersome symptoms.
- Self-help—Keeping to a routine and making use of reminders like to-do lists, calendars, and other visual aids may be useful. In order to better manage your symptoms, your mental health professional may recommend some individualized approaches. Adults with ADHD often have trouble sleeping, so developing healthy sleep routines is crucial.
Conclusion
It is important to consider that people going through ADHD usually develop PTSD or other trauma-related mental We can notice a two-way relationship between ADHD and trauma. Both conditions support each other triggers. This situation makes treating ADHD more difficult. It is advised to consult a psychiatrist in Lahore to help you or your loved ones get an accurate diagnosis which would definitely increase the effectiveness of treatment.
FAQs
1. Can we name ADHD a mental illness or coping mechanism?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered the most common mental disorder developing in children.
2. What kind of difficulties do people with ADHD face?
People with ADHD have to face several emotional issues. It may include a lack of interest in socializing, stress, low tolerance, and sudden emotional outbursts. It is also difficult for them to control their emotions publicly.
3. How does ADHD affect health?
The main mental problems in ADHD, like impulsivity and inattention, force children and adults to behave in an abnormal way. It definitely affects their overall mental and physical health condition.
